Director Joe D'Amato, the undisputed king of sleaze, delivers yet another pornographic masterpiece with Penitenziario femminile, a steamy and unapologetic foray into the women-in-prison genre. This 1996 erotic adventure is a non-stop rollercoaster of raw, unadulterated sex, with a thin veil of plot to hold it all together.
The story, albeit simplistic, sets the stage for the explicit antics to come: a police raid results in several women being thrown into prison, where their inhibitions and prison uniforms seem to disappear. The stunning Simona Valli, as Sarah, kicks things off with a bang, using her feminine wiles and sexual prowess to secure an interview with the prison's head honcho, Roberto Malone. Of course, one thing leads to another, and Sarah finds herself in a compromising position, offering herself to Malone in a graphic and passionate encounter that leaves her breathless and begging for more. Her performance, including an anal penetration scene, is a highlight for fans of the genre, and her commitment to the role is impressive.
However, the film does little to push the boundaries of this niche. It's a standard offering, with no real surprises, and the acting, though enthusiastic, is wooden at best. The dialogue is cringe-worthy, and the sets are uninspired.
That being said, "Sex Penitentiary" will appeal to fans of vintage erotica and those who appreciate a good old-fashioned skin flick. It's a time capsule of 90s soft-core porn, and for that, it has a certain charm.
Watch it for: Simona Valli's sizzling performance and a trip down memory lane to the days of video-store erotica.